The Advantages of Argumentative Writing

By Chika Nwaka

You need other opinions when developing an argumentative writing piece

Argumentative writing is writing in which the writer has to take a stand on a topic, persuade their audience of the validity of his or her opinion, and possibly also persuade the audience to take action. Some scholars even argue that everything is an argument. That notion would include as argumentative such things as advertisements, brochures, slogans, speeches, and even posters. Writing an argumentative piece is not hard, if you know what you're doing.

Helps Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Argumentative writing helps writers develop their critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is one of the most important skills that people acquire through formal education, and being able to write persuasive arguments often helps students break down the components of logical thinking, find fault in others' and their own arguments, and present stronger arguments overall. In the real world, people who are able to write good arguments will likely also be able to notice faulty logic, or fallacies, in other people's arguments much more quickly.

Emphasizes Persuasion

One important skill that a writer enhances by practicing argumentative writing is the art of persuasion. In argumentative writing, writers are able to understand what persuasion is, how it works and how to use it to their advantage. They will then be able not only to convince others to see things from their perspective, but also to take action in their favor.

Is Effective in the Real World

Argumentative writing enchances a writer's ability in ways that are easily transferable. Writers can draw on their argumentative writing skills when they make sales pitches for products or services, write grant proposals or write letters to the editor about important issues. They may also have to correspond through email in the workplace in ways that require smaller-scale argumentation.

Enhances Broad Thinking

With other styles of writing such as the expository style, the writer may not need to have broad knowledge in order to execute the topic. Argumentative writing promotes broad thinking because it forces the writer to contend with opposing views and to integrate them into his overall argument.

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About the Author

Chika Nwaka started writing professionally in 2010. She writes for eHow and specializes in education and fashion-related topics. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California-Los Angeles and is pursuing a Ph.D. in English literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.